The [Magic Bullet] Technique (Peripheral Vision)

A Tool to Cut Through Obsession

The "Magic Bullet" technique is an incredibly simple, yet powerful, tool for stopping obsessive thinking.

It acts like a hot knife through butter, immediately cutting through rumination and the worry loop.

It's a method you can use anytime, day or night, to help you regain your calm.

The Purpose. Anchoring Yourself in the Present Moment

The fundamental purpose of this exercise is to take your attention out of the future or the past and anchor it firmly in the present.

By forcing your brain to focus on a specific visual task, you prevent it from continuing with its obsessive thoughts.

This technique helps you remember that, in the present moment, everything is calm most of the time.

Step 1. Preparation and Central Focus

To begin the exercise, the first thing you must do is fix your gaze on a single point in front of you.

You can use a dot on the wall, or if you are watching a video, you can look directly into the eyes of the instructor.

It is absolutely crucial that you do not take your eyes off this central point throughout the entire exercise.

Step 2. The Clock Metaphor and Peripheral Vision

Now, without moving your eyes from your point of focus, become aware of everything you can see in your peripheral vision.

To organize this perception, imagine that around your point of focus is the face of a large clock.

This imaginary clock has all its numbers: twelve at the top, six at the bottom, nine on the left, and three on the right.

Step 3. Scanning the Hours of the Clock

Keeping your gaze fixed, bring your mental attention to what you can see at the twelve o'clock position.

Then, without moving your eyes, direct your attention to the six o'clock position and make a mental note of what you see.

Continue this process by scanning each of the hours on the clock, for example, nine, three, one, seven, etc.

You must make a complete sweep of all the hours, noticing the objects, colors, and shapes in your periphery.

The Immediate Result. Mental Calm

By concentrating so intensely on this visual task, you’ll notice that your racing mind and obsessive thoughts have stopped.

Your brain can’t maintain focus on your peripheral vision and simultaneously continue feeding the worry loop.

This exercise forcefully but gently brings you back to the now, showing you that you can control your focus.

Practicing and Adapting th